CUs’ top planning strategies include proactive lending and mobile banking.

Credit union lending is expected to increase 5.5% in 2013 and 6.5% in 2014, according to CUNA economists.

Credit unions finally reported rising loan balances after three years of negligible or negative growth dropped average loan-to-share ratios to 68.6% as of year-end 2012—one of the lowest levels in 20 years. But lending is expected to pick up as the economy improves, consumer confidence rebounds, and household deleveraging declines.

Credit unions can expect growth in auto loans, credit cards, and purchase mortgage loans due to pent-up demand created by the recession.

A 3% to 5% increase in home prices during the next year should increase demand for second mortgages and home equity loans.